This season’s Europa League semi-final ties are set after an incredible night of second leg action was headlined by Manchester United’s incredible comeback win over Lyon.
All eight teams participating in the quarter-finals knew who their opponents in the last four could be, with many eyes focused on whether United and fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur would overcome their domestic struggles to make it through.
United looked to be cruising after 45 minutes of their return game against Lyon, heading into the interval with a 2-0 lead.
Somehow, Ruben Amorim’s players found a way to throw that advantage into the gutter, and they were incredibly 4-2 down on the night after Alexandre Lacazette converted a penalty at the Stretford End,
But Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire had other ideas, scoring three dramatic late goals to seal a memorable 5-4 win on the night and 7-6 aggregate victory.
The Red Devils will now play Athletic Club in the semis after they ended Rangers’ hopes of reaching a second Europa League final in the space of four years.
Premier League transfer target Nico Williams was on the scoresheet in a 2-0 win at San Mames.
The other semi-final tie will be contested by Tottenham and Bodo/Glimt, after they overcame Eintracht Frankfurt and Lazio respectively.
Dominic Solanke’s penalty was enough to earn Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs a 1-0 win in Germany, sealing a 2-1 aggregate win.
It’s a notable scalp for the Australian given the north Londoners domestic struggles.
Bodo/Glimt slipped 3-0 behind to Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico and looked to be heading out of the competition, but Andreas Helmersen had other ideas as he struck with ten minutes of extra-time remaining. No other goals were scored, leading to the lottery of a penalty shootout.
The Norwegian outfit emerged 3-2 victors, with Lazio missing three of their five penalties to see their European hopes go up in smoke.
2024/25 UEFA Europa League semi-final draw
- Tottenham vs Bodo/Glimt
- Athletic Club vs Manchester United
The two-legged semi-final ties will be played on 1 May and 8 May.
This season’s Europa League final is set for Wednesday 21 May at San Mames in Bilbao – the home stadium of semi-finalists Athletic Club.
What we know
- The Europa League quarter-finals conclude with epic second leg ties
- Four teams remain in battle to win trophy and qualify for next season’s Champions League
- Semi-final ties will be contested on 1 May and 8 May.